President Mohamed Nasheed has today, conferred the Order of Distinguished Rule of Izzuddeen to His Royal Highness Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin AbdulAziz Alsaud of Saudi Arabia.

The Medal was awarded to Prince Alwaleed in accordance with Article 115 (r) of the Constitution, in recognition of his important contributions to the development of the Maldives and his distinguished services globally to promote the ideals of Islam, democracy and understanding.

Upon arrival of His Royal Highness Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin AbdulAziz Alsaud and Princess Ameera at the Gate of Mulee-aage, Maldives National Defence Forces conducted an honour guard.

At the front of the Veranda of Mulee-aage, His Royal Highness the Prince and the Princess were received by President Mohamed Nasheed, First Lady Madam Laila Ali, Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Naseem.

Citation of His Royal Highness the Prince for being conferred the Order of Distinguished Rule of Izzuddeen was read out by Press Secretary Mohamed Zuhair.

Speaking at the function, the President said that the medal was awarded to Prince Alwaleed in recognition of his work “in representing democratic forms in Islamic countries”.

He also expressed confidence that the close ties that existed between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia would continue to strengthen in the years to come.

In his acceptance speech, Prince Alwaleed commended President Nasheed for the smooth transfer of power that took place in the Maldives following the last presidential election.

He also expressed assurance that “any investment opportunity that helps the Maldives....we will be the first to lead in having it executed”.

The Prince also spoke on the effects of climate change and commended on the Maldives’ efforts to bring the issue to the global front.

Order of Distinguished Rule of Izzuddeen was created in 1972 and is among the highest ranking honours conferred by the State. It is named after Sultan Hassan Izzuddeen, the great Maldivian hero who liberated the Maldives from foreign domination in the 18th century. It is now the highest ranking honour conferred on a foreign national.